My eyes widened, and for a moment, I was speechless, shocked by what Kala had just said. Making me the model for his product advertisement? Is he even thinking straight?
"No way. You must be joking," I replied with a small laugh. It seemed like just small talk before he started offering me his products. But would a director of his level really do something like that?
"Do I look like I'm joking?" he responded with a serious expression, making me uneasy under his intense gaze.
"But I'm not a celebrity or someone used to that kind of work. Wouldn't it be better for you to find someone more experienced? I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, especially since Boga Rasa's products are already well-known in Indonesia," I explained at length. Kala smirked before responding.
"Actually, I think you're a perfect fit. Haven't you been in front of a camera all this time?" he asked. Of course, my camera and the one he meant were completely different. Normally, it was just Dewo setting up the lights and camera angles, but filming a commercial was a whole different thing. The man in front of me should have understood something as simple as this.
"I'm specifically looking for familiar faces that aren't from the celebrity or modeling world—someone like you," he said, studying my face.
"I'm not a familiar face either. My face only appears in YouTube videos and on some of my social media," I countered.
"Says who? Ask around—among ten women, whether housewives or working professionals, at least seven of them would recognize you," he stated. He wasn't complimenting me, but for some reason, his words made me feel uneasy.
"With you as the ad model for one of our products, your name will become even more recognized. This is a mutually beneficial partnership, don't you think?" he continued. What he said made sense, but it definitely wasn't an easy decision for me.
"So? Are you interested?" he asked, his gaze unreadable. His eyes were so deep, as if analyzing everything about me. It was actually a little unsettling.
"Ah… well, I need to think about it first. I'm really worried that what you expect from me won't match reality," I replied. Kala chuckled, still looking at me.
"I've actually been following your YouTube channel for a while and have wanted to collaborate with you for a long time. But there was never the right moment. Our meeting today felt like a sign that I should ask you sooner rather than later," he said.
"You really are the perfect choice to be the model for Boga Rasa's new product," he added.
To be honest, I felt even more flustered hearing his long explanation. It seemed unreal that a famous company director had been following my account and was interested in making me their ad model. It felt like a dream.
"Here's my number. You can contact me as soon as you decide," he said, handing me his business card. I glanced at it briefly before returning his smile.
"I'd love to chat more with you, but unfortunately, work calls. Get in touch with me soon," he said before leaving.
Meeting Kalandra Kusumaatmaja felt like something that would only happen in a dream. In my mind, Kala was a busy young director who didn't have time for trivial matters—like meeting me and offering a collaboration. But he turned out to be much friendlier than I had imagined.
"Mom, let's go home," Arkan whined again as I walked toward him.
"Alright, let's go," I said.
"So, Ma'am? Did any Boga Rasa products arrive?" Oci asked curiously.
"No, just a new product offer," I lied, not wanting to share what had really happened. If Oci and the others found out, they would definitely make a big fuss. Me, becoming a commercial model? It sounded ridiculous.
"Mom, there's a school camping event next week. All my friends are going with their dads. Can't I invite my dad too?" Arkan asked as I held his hand, leading him to my car parked in front of the store.
Arkan's school had informed us about a half-day camping event for students and their parents. At first, I was confident I would accompany him, but after hearing what he just said, I suddenly felt anxious.
"I'll go with you, okay?" I reassured him.
"Dad?" he asked with pleading eyes. I had already told Arkan that he didn't have a dad like his friends did. His dad had been gone for a long time—that's what I always told him.
"You can ask Uncle Dewo if you want," I offered.
"But Uncle Dewo isn't my dad," he pouted, and I sighed deeply. As he grew older, it was becoming harder to divert Arkan's curiosity about his father. His curiosity was strong, and so was his envy of his friends who had complete families.
"Just go with Mom, okay? We'll wear the matching Minecraft shirts I bought yesterday," I coaxed, but he still pouted.
"I don't like Minecraft anymore," he grumbled.
"Then what do you like now?" I asked with a smile.
"Nothing," he snapped and climbed into the car. I took a deep breath, trying to control my emotions. Arkan wasn't at fault—he was just following his instincts, searching for the father figure he longed for. Meanwhile, that very person was probably happy with his new family.
"Wanna have some ice cream?" I offered. Arkan turned to me, and his wide smile brought me relief.
After buying his favorite ice cream, I took him home, as there was something important I needed to discuss with Rere. Of course, it was about Kala's offer.
Once Arkan finished his ice cream, he looked sleepy and obediently followed Mbok Rasti to his room for a nap. Sometimes, Arkan could be so sweet, but other times, he acted like any child his age—doing things that tested my patience.
"I thought you were staying at the store until evening. Why are you home already?" Rere asked as I walked into her office. She was at her computer, editing footage that Dewo had recorded this morning.
"Arkan was fussy, so I took him home. Besides, there's something important I need to talk to you about," I said seriously, making Rere pause her work.
"What is it?" she asked, turning to me.
"I got an offer to be the model for Boga Rasa's new product," I said. Rere's eyes widened as she looked at me in disbelief.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. Kala himself came and talked to me at the store today," I explained.
"Kalandra, you mean?" she asked for confirmation.
"Yes, the director of Boga Rasa," I replied.
"Oh my God! Are you serious?" Rere exclaimed, shocked.
"He said I was a good fit for their new ad campaign. He just made an offer—nothing in-depth yet. But honestly, I'm not sure about myself," I admitted.
"Just take it! You can't pass up an opportunity like this," Rere said excitedly.
"But I'd be embarrassed seeing my face on every TV screen," I countered. Rere just laughed loudly.
"If Kalandra chose you, that means he believes you can represent their brand well. You just need to believe in yourself," she said seriously. I laughed, mostly at myself.
"Seriously, Rere! I don't have that kind of confidence," I admitted.
"That's a lie! Even in Dewo's recordings, you look super confident," she teased.
"That's different. In my videos, there's no strict script or rigid rules. I can just be myself," I explained.
"I don't know … I'm confused," I sighed, lying down on the sofa and closing my eyes. Rere didn't say anything, knowing I needed time to think.
Becoming a commercial model sounded exciting. I'd be more well-known, and more people might visit my YouTube channel. Isn't that a good thing?
I frowned in thought, opening my eyes when Rere cleared her throat.
"I thought you were asleep," she chuckled.
"How could I sleep when thinking about something this important?" I replied.
"So? Have you decided?" she asked.
"This is for Bee's Kitchen, and more importantly, for you and Arkan. The fee must be good for Arkan's savings," she added. Her words made me smile.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out the business card Kala had given me, and quickly typed his number into my phone. Then, I sent him a message.
This could be interesting.(*)